Protectionist Makes All in Preis von Berlin

German-bred Australian champion Protectionist, winner of the 2014 Melbourne Cup (Aus-I), posted his first European group I win in style Aug. 14 after making all the pace in the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten. 

The 5-year-old by Monsun was geared down approaching the finish line by Eduardo Pedroza and won by 2 1/2 lengths from German group I-winning filly Nightflower, with Guignol third, another 1 1/4 lengths back.

Trained by Andreas Wohler for Australia Bloodstock, Protectionist notched a third straight win from as many starts since returning from a stint of racing in Australia, most recently taking the Grosser Hansa-Preis (Ger-II) July 3 at Hamburg. He won the 2014 Melbourne Cup, Australia's most famous race, by four lengths from Red Cadeaux and was named the season's champion stayer.

"I always had a good feeling," Pedroza told Racing Post about the front-running tactics, "and stepped up the pace coming into the straight, as I did not want to give the others a chance of outsprinting him."

Wohler said Protectionist has thrived since returning to his old surroundings.

"The intention now is to run in the Grosser Preis von Baden (Ger-I) in three weeks and after that we shall consider our options."

Protectionist, who has an 8-3-1 record from 21 starts, including several group wins in Germany and France, was bred in Germany by Dr. Christoph Berglar, who with his son Peter owns Stonereath Stud near Paris, Ky. His dam is the unraced Peintre Celebre mare Patineuse.